At Sense about Science, we have new opportunities available for internships from Easter 2021 onwards. Our internships are currently running on a work-from-home basis in accordance with government guidelines, and this is likely to remain the case at least until Easter. We will review the situation thereafter as government advice changes. I would be grateful if you could advertise our internship opportunities to your early career cohorts via your normal channels and media.

Sense about Science is an independent campaigning charity that champions the public interest in sound science and ensures evidence is recognised in public life and policymaking. We challenge misrepresentation of science and evidence, advocate openness and honesty about research, and strive to open up socially or scientifically difficult issues where evidence is neglected, conflicting or misunderstood.

An internship at Sense about Science is a very rewarding experience, as no two days are the same. It is a fulfilling way to work across communications, policy and public engagement and develop key professional skills and contacts that will serve you well in your future. Depending on the timing of your placement, you’ll be able to work on a number of projects and programmes:

• Voice of Young Science: The opportunity to contribute to the organisation of a Voice of Young Science (VoYS) workshop and help to facilitate the event on the day. VoYS is a unique and dynamic network of early career researchers across Europe committed to playing an active role in public discussions about science. By responding to public misconceptions about science and evidence and engaging with the media, policymakers and the public, this active community of 3,000+ researchers is changing the way the public and the media view science and scientists. Members are trained to promote scientific questioning in society and take responsibility for improving the quality of discussion about research findings. Our Standing up for Science workshops equip researchers to engage with the public, journalists and policymakers – helping them to ask useful questions and put research findings and real-world events in context. Organising a workshop will give you the opportunity to develop organisational and communication skills and learn about effective public, policy and media engagement.
• Evidence Week in Parliament: Evidence Week is our flagship policy event where we bring together MPs, researchers and community groups to discuss the case that evidence matters to people. They share knowledge and insights that will help politicians to scrutinise evidence. The week involves events and briefings, as well as evidence stands that parliamentarians can visit. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in evidence-based policymaking, as you will have the inside track into the organisation of Evidence Week. You will have opportunities to engage directly with MPs and policy advisers. In 2020, this event is going ahead as an online event in November. In 2021, you will work closely with the policy manager to organise Evidence Week, with the senior communications officer to deliver the communications programme around Evidence Week, and with the team to effectively deliver the events in the summer. It is an opportunity to develop organisational and communication skills.
• John Maddox Prize: The John Maddox Prize recognises the work of individuals who promote science and evidence, advancing the public discussion around difficult topics despite challenges or hostility. The prize is a joint initiative of Sense about Science and the leading international scientific journal Nature. The prize has been awarded annually since 2012 to researchers who have shown great courage and integrity in standing up for science and scientific reasoning against fierce opposition and hostility. Each year there is one winner, and an additional prize for an early career researcher. You will contribute towards compiling nominations and working with the team to shortlist nominations, ready for the judging to take place in the autumn. It is an opportunity to learn organisational and evaluation skills, and get to know the work of some amazing researchers around the world who are striving to stand up for science and evidence.

• Ability to identify and use initiative to solve problems
• Ability to organise and prioritise work
• A flair for clear, engaging writing
• Friendly manner
• Candidates should be familiar with and share the Sense about Science ethos regarding the public interest in sound science and evidence

Other details and how to apply

We typically have at least two interns in our London office. Our standard offer is three months (a good fit for PIPS), but we are occasionally able to be flexible down to a minimum of two months.

Work-from-home arrangements will remain in place until government advice changes, and we can provide a laptop if you need one.

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills match the requirements to Dr Hamid Khan, Senior Partnerships Coordinator: hamid@senseaboutscience.org

 

Dr Hamid Khan

email: hamid@senseaboutscience.org